Top 10 Most Expensive Diamonds in The World

Since the discovery of the multifaceted stones classified as diamonds mankind has taken to prizing such rarities and reserving them for the richest and most influential persons in the world. Their beauty is unparalleled throughout history, and at one time it was very common to see these stones in great quantities throughout the world.

However, as history has shown, the covetous nature of those that cherish such wondrous stones has always dictated who owns such wonders and who might only gain a glimpse of them from to time to time. As status symbols, the top ten most expensive diamonds in the world are a wonder to behold and a symbol of both wealth and taste.

Here are the Top 10 Most Expensive Diamonds in The World

10. The Allnatt Diamond : $3 Million

Taking its name from Major Alfred Ernest Allnatt, this stone was held by the major for some time before his passing. It is an impressive size and possesses a cushion cut. The Gemological Institute of America has classified this gem having a vivid yellow color and is quite fancy in its appearance. It’s unknown where this diamond was found, but some have actually claimed that it was located in the same place that the De Beers diamond mine now resides.

9. The Moussaieff Red Diamond : $ 7 Million

Possessed of a brilliant red hue, the Moussaieff red Diamond is slightly smaller than some and features a triangle cut that has been called masterful and brilliant by many. Despite its lesser size it is actually considered to be one of the larger diamonds in its class. By looking into it you can almost become mesmerized by the many facets that gleam and twinkle in the slightest bit of light.

8. The Heart of Eternity : $16 Million

Cut into the very shape that defines it, the Heart of Eternity diamond is a striking blue color that is considered to be a very rare class of diamond. It received its cuts by the Steinmetz group shortly before it was sold to the De Beers. It was first located in a diamond mine in South Africa, a rare find that has since become a rather expensive and sought after stone.

7. Wittelsbach Diamond : $ 16.4 Million

Looking much like a multifaceted eye, the Wittelsbach diamond is quite larger in comparison to other diamonds. It has been featured as an Austrian and Bavarian crown jewel, and thanks to its color and clarity has often been compared to the Hope diamond. One can easily see the reason for such a comparison, as the color alone seems to denote the similarities. Looking into this diamond is almost like looking into the cold, crystalline eye of some unknowable and enigmatic figure however, creating even more of an allure for the more discerning collector.

6. The Steinmetz Pink : $ 25 Million

This is one of the larger diamonds and is a stunning pink in color. The Steinmetz was at one point displayed within the Smithsonian as a part of the “Splendor of Diamonds” exhibit. Egg-like in shape, the Steinmetz is a rarity in the diamond world. The manner in which the light catches upon its many facets seems to capture the attention and not let go until the viewer is convinced that it is in fact just another pretty stone, and nothing more.

5. De Beers Centenary Diamond: $ 100 Million

The De Beers mine is well noted as having produced some of the finest diamonds in the world, and the Centenary’s were actually classified as the highest grade of diamond that were essentially colorless and carried no flaws inside or out. The diamond is quite large and carries a definite weight to it, which is fitting since it is at this time the 3rd largest diamond to ever come out of the De Beers mine.

4. The Hope Diamond : $350 Million

Among diamond enthusiasts this is perhaps one of the most well known as well as the most prized stones in existence. It is quite large and carries a fair amount of weight. It is at this time located in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. Looking at the diamond one could almost believe that it appears blue in color thanks to the traces of boron trapped within the crystal structure. However, it also shines a faint red color when exposed to UV light.

3. The Cullinan : $ 400 Million

The Cullinan diamond is, for lack of a better word, immense. It has the distinction of being the largest rough gem ever discovered and after being polished it still retains that quality. There are few if any words for how impressive this stone is, or how it can bring status and wealth to its owner. Simply gazing upon it seems to widen the eyes of even the most astute diamond collector, as within each facet one can almost see the inherent value that this stone possesses.

2. The Sancy Diamond : (Unestimated, Priceless)

This particular diamond is somewhat large and possesses a pale yellow color. It’s fame also comes from the fact that it once belonged to the Great Moguls. This diamond is believed to be Indian in origin. It is also the first diamond to be cut with symmetrical facets. It is also considered to be highly unusual because of the lack of a pavilion. It features a pair of crowns and this is it. At this time it is being kept in the French Crown Jewel collection that is housed at the Louvre.

1. Koh-I-Noor : (Unestimated, Priceless)

Translated into English, the name of this diamond is “Mountain of Light”. Persian in origin, this rather large diamond is one of the largest stones in the world. It was found initially at Golconda within the Andhra Pradesh state of India. At one time it was owned by Sikh, Mughal, and Persian rulers that would war against each other now and again. At this time it remains the property of the British Crown and is kept in the HM Tower of London as a popular tourist attraction.

Diamonds are without a doubt one of the greatest status symbols that denote wealth and power. Their inherent beauty and design are wondrous enough that size is merely a formality most times, as their appearance can often make them worth far more than even the most expensively crafted jewelry in existence. In other words, nothing beats a perfect diamond for status.